US20130155562A1 - Position detecting device - Google Patents
Position detecting device Download PDFInfo
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- US20130155562A1 US20130155562A1 US13/691,985 US201213691985A US2013155562A1 US 20130155562 A1 US20130155562 A1 US 20130155562A1 US 201213691985 A US201213691985 A US 201213691985A US 2013155562 A1 US2013155562 A1 US 2013155562A1
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- output transistor
- switch
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- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005389 magnetism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D11/00—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated
- F02D11/06—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance
- F02D11/10—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance of the electric type
- F02D11/106—Detection of demand or actuation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/20—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to excess voltage
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- B60K35/60—
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
- G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
- G01D5/142—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices
- G01D5/145—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
- G01D5/244—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing characteristics of pulses or pulse trains; generating pulses or pulse trains
- G01D5/24428—Error prevention
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/20—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to excess voltage
- H02H3/202—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to excess voltage for dc systems
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2510/00—Input parameters relating to a particular sub-units
- B60W2510/06—Combustion engines, Gas turbines
- B60W2510/0604—Throttle position
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
- F02D2200/02—Input parameters for engine control the parameters being related to the engine
- F02D2200/04—Engine intake system parameters
- F02D2200/0404—Throttle position
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a position detecting device for detecting a rotation angle or a stroke of a movable body.
- a conventional position detecting device for a vehicle detects a rotation angle (angular position) of a throttle valve provided in an electronic throttle apparatus (electronically-controlled throttle), a rotation angle of an accelerator pedal provided in an accelerator pedal module or a stroke (linear position) of a clutch actuator.
- JP 2004-4114A (U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,543) discloses a magnetic detector module provided as a position detecting device provided in an electronic throttle apparatus.
- the magnetic detector module is an electronic device, in which a magnetic detecting element and an integrated circuit (IC) for processing an output signal of the magnetic detecting element are integrated in a single unit.
- the magnetic detector module detects the rotation angle of the throttle valve by detecting a magnetic field generated by magnets provided in the throttle valve by the magnetic detecting element.
- An electronic control unit (ECU) electrically connected to the electronic throttle apparatus supplies current to a motor, which drives the throttle valve to rotate, in accordance with the output signal of the magnetic detector module.
- ECU electronice control unit
- terminals of the magnetic detector module and motor terminals are arranged adjacently at a connector part, where the magnetic detector module and the ECU output or input signals or currents relative to the ECU. If water or a conductive particle enters the connector part, the terminals of the magnetic detector module and the motor terminals tend to be short-circuited. To counter this problem, output terminals of the magnetic detector module are not located at the position, which is most adjacent to the motor terminal. A ground terminal or a power supply terminal of the magnetic detector module is located at such a position distanced from the motor terminal. Thus the integrated circuit of the magnetic detector module is protected from adverse influence generated when the terminal of the magnetic detector module and the motor terminal short-circuit. However, since the terminals of the magnetic detector module need be located in a limited area in the connector part, the terminals of the magnetic detector module cannot be freely located. If two magnetic detector modules are provided in the electronic throttle apparatus, locations of such magnetic detector modules are limited.
- a position detecting device for detecting a position of a movable body.
- the position detecting device includes a detector element, a signal processing circuit and an output circuit.
- the detector element outputs a signal varying with movement of the movable body.
- the signal processing circuit processes the signal outputted from the detector element.
- the output circuit outputs a signal from an output terminal based on a signal outputted from the signal processing circuit.
- the output circuit includes an output transistor, a control circuit, an output conductor, a voltage detection circuit and a current shut-off circuit.
- the output transistor is connected in series in a conductor connecting a power supply terminal and ground and controls a voltage of the conductor to be outputted from the output terminal.
- the control circuit controls the output transistor based on the signal outputted from the signal processing circuit.
- the output conductor has one end connected to the conductor including the output transistor therein and an other end connected to the output terminal.
- the voltage detection circuit detects a voltage applied from the output terminal to the output transistor.
- the current shut-off circuit shuts off electric conduction between the output terminal and the output transistor, when the voltage detection circuit detects that a voltage higher than a withstand voltage of the output transistor is applied to the output transistor.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electronic throttle apparatus provided with a position detecting device according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cover of the electronic throttle apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the electronic throttle apparatus viewed in a direction III in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic circuit of the position detecting device according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an output circuit of the position detecting device according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an output circuit of a position detecting device according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an output circuit of a position detecting device according to a third embodiment.
- a position detecting device according to a first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 .
- the position detecting device is provided as a magnetic detector module 2 , which is used in an electronic throttle apparatus 1 for controlling an amount of air suctioned into cylinders of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle.
- the magnetic detector module 2 outputs a voltage signal indicative of an open angle of a throttle valve 3 to an electronic control unit (ECU) 4 of the vehicle.
- the ECU 4 outputs a drive signal to a motor 5 , which drives the throttle valve 3 , so that the throttle valve 3 is rotated to an angular position (open angle) suitable for an operating condition of the engine.
- the motor 5 drives the throttle valve 3 to a target angular position and regulates the amount of suction air.
- the electronic throttle apparatus 1 is configured as described below.
- the electronic throttle apparatus 1 includes, as shown in FIG. 1 , a throttle body 6 , a throttle shaft 7 , the throttle valve 3 , the motor 5 , a rotation angle detector 8 and the like.
- the throttle body 6 has an air passage, which communicates with a passage of an intake pipe and has a generally cylindrical shape in section.
- a cover 9 is attached to an outer wall of the throttle body 6 .
- a gear reduction device 10 , a spring device 11 and the rotation angle detector 8 are accommodated in a space provided between the throttle body 6 and the cover 9 .
- the throttle shaft 7 is supported rotatably relative to the throttle body 6 by bearings 12 and 13 .
- the throttle valve 3 is a butterfly rotary valve, which regulates an open area of the air passage formed in the throttle body 6 .
- the throttle valve 3 and the throttle shaft 7 are fixed by fixing members 14 .
- the throttle valve 3 is thus rotatable with the throttle shaft 7 and varies the open area of the air passage thereby to regulate the amount of air suctioned into the cylinders of the engine.
- the throttle valve 3 is a movable body.
- the motor 5 is a DC motor, which switches over direction of rotation corresponding to direction of current supplied thereto and generates rotation torque corresponding to the amount of supplied current.
- the motor 5 is accommodated within an accommodation space provided in the throttle body 6 .
- the motor 5 is dive-controlled by commands from the ECU 4 .
- the gear reduction device 10 transfers the rotation torque generated by the motor 5 to the throttle valve 3 after speed reduction.
- the gear reduction device 10 is formed of a pinion gear 15 , an intermediate gear 16 , a gear rotor 17 and the like.
- the pinion gear 15 is fixed to an output shaft 18 of the motor 5 to be rotated by the motor 5 .
- the intermediate gear 16 has a large-diameter gear 19 and a small-diameter gear 20 , which are coaxial.
- the intermediate gear 16 is provided rotatably by a support shaft 21 , which is supported by the throttle body 6 and the cover 9 .
- the large-diameter gear 19 is meshed with the pinion gear 15 .
- the small-diameter gear 20 is meshed with the gear rotor 17 .
- the gear rotor 17 is fixed to an axial end of the throttle shaft 7 to be rotated with the throttle shaft 7 .
- the spring device 11 biases the throttle valve 3 to take the open angle position at an intermediate position between a fully-closed position (minimum rotation angle) and a fully-open position (maximum rotation angle) when the current supply to the motor 5 is shut off. Thus, the vehicle is enabled to make limp-home travel.
- the spring device 11 includes a return spring 22 , a default spring 23 and a fixing member 24 .
- the return spring 22 biases the throttle valve 3 in a valve closing direction.
- the default spring 23 biases the throttle valve 3 in a valve opening direction.
- the return spring 22 and the default spring 23 are integral and wound in opposite directions, while sandwiching the fixing member 24 .
- the rotation angle detector 8 detects a rotation angle of the throttle valve 3 and outputs a voltage signal, which varies with the open angle of the throttle valve 3 .
- the detector 8 is formed of a cylindrical magnetic generator part 25 and a magnetic detector part 26 .
- the magnetic generator part 25 rotates integrally with the throttle valve 3 .
- the magnetic detector part 26 is provided radially inside the magnetic generator part 25 without contacting the magnetic generator part 25 .
- the magnetic generator part 25 includes a cylindrical yoke 27 and two magnets 28 and is insert-molded in the gear rotor 17 .
- the magnets 28 are arranged to oppose each other in the radial direction at a radially inside surface of the yoke 27 to provide magnetic field, which is perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the throttle valve 3 .
- the magnetic detector part 26 includes a stator core 29 and two magnetic detector modules 2 .
- the magnetic detector part 26 is fixed to the cover 9 .
- the magnetic detector module 2 forms the position detecting device.
- the stator core 29 is formed of a generally cylindrical body and has a magnetism detection gap in a diameter direction.
- the magnetic detector modules 2 are located in the magnetic detection gap.
- the magnetic detector module 2 is an electronic unit, which integrates therein a magnetic detector element 30 and an integrated circuit (IC) for processing a signal outputted from the magnetic detector element 30 .
- the magnetic detector element 30 may be a Hall element or a magneto-resistive element, for example.
- the magnetic detector module 2 outputs a voltage signal, which corresponds to the magnetic flux density in the magnetic sensing surface of the magnetic detector element 30 , to the ECU 4 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the ECU 4 feedback-controls the motor 5 so that the throttle open angle detected by the magnetic detector module 2 and indicated by the voltage signal of the magnetic detector module 2 matches the target open angle set in accordance with the operating condition of the engine.
- output terminals 31 , 32 , a power supply terminal 33 and a ground terminal 34 of the magnetic detector modules 2 are resin-molded in the cover 9 .
- the power supply terminal 33 is common to the magnetic detector modules 2 and the ground terminal 34 is also common to the magnetic detector modules 2 .
- the motor terminals 35 for supplying power (for example, 12 V) to the motor 5 are resin-molded in the cover 9 .
- the terminals 31 to 34 of the magnetic detector modules 2 and the motor terminals 35 are arranged in one connector part 37 .
- the terminals 31 to 34 of the two magnetic detector modules 2 are arranged in the order of the output terminal 31 of one magnetic detector module 2 , the common power supply terminal 33 , the output terminal 32 of the other magnetic detector module 2 and the common ground terminal 34 from top to bottom direction in FIG. 3 . That is, the power supply terminal 33 or the ground terminal 34 is located between the motor terminal 35 and the output terminal 31 or 32 of the magnetic detector module 2 . That is, the power supply terminal 33 or the ground terminal 34 is located immediately adjacent to the motor terminal 35 .
- This arrangement is for reducing adverse influence, which the integrated circuit of the magnetic detector module 2 suffers from, when the motor terminal 35 and the output terminal of the magnetic detector module 2 adjacent to the motor terminal 35 short due to water or a conductive foreign particle entering the connector part 37 .
- the terminals 31 to 34 of the two magnetic detector modules 2 may be located with more freedom in accordance with the location of the magnetic detector modules 2 owing to the circuit configuration described below with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 . That is, the output terminals 31 and 32 of the magnetic detector modules 2 can be located at the position (position of the ground terminal 34 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ), which is immediately adjacent to the motor terminal 35 . The motor terminal 35 may also be located with more freedom without being limited by the position of the terminal of the magnetic detector module 2 .
- the magnetic detector module 2 is configured as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the voltage signal outputted from the magnetic detector element 30 and varying with the density of magnetic flux passing through the magnetic detector element 30 is converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter 38 and inputted to a digital signal processor (DSP) 39 .
- the digital signal is subjected to offset adjustment, gain adjustment and clamp adjustment by the DSP 39 in accordance with predetermined values stored in an EEPROM 40 .
- the offset adjustment determines an offset of an output voltage signal, which is outputted to the ECU 4 , relative to the open angle of the throttle valve 3 .
- the gain adjustment determines an inclination (proportional gain) of the output voltage signal relative to the open angle of the throttle valve 3 .
- the clamp adjustment determines a maximum value and a minimum value of the output voltage signal.
- the digital value adjusted by the DSP 39 is converted to an analog signal by a D/A converter 41 and inputted to an output circuit 42 to be outputted to the ECU 4 as the output voltage signal.
- the A/D converter 38 , the DSP 39 , the EEPROM 40 and the D/A converter 41 form a signal processing circuit.
- the output circuit 42 is configured as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the output voltage signal of the D/A converter 41 is inputted to a buffer amplifier 43 .
- the buffer amplifier 43 amplifies the inputted signal thereby to remove mutual influence with circuits of the ECU 4 .
- a high potential side (high-side) output transistor 46 and a low potential side (low-side) output transistor 47 are controlled by two control circuits 44 and 45 , respectively, in response to a signal outputted from the buffer amplifier 43 .
- the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 are connected in series with a first conductor 50 and a second conductor 501 , which connect a power supply terminal (for example, 5 V) 48 and ground 49 .
- the conductors 50 and 501 are connected to the output terminal 31 by an output conductor 51 .
- the output conductor 51 has one end connected to a junction 52 between the conductors 50 and 501 connecting the power supply terminal 48 and the ground 49 .
- the output conductor 51 has the other end connected to the output terminal 31 .
- the high-side output transistor 46 is provided in the conductor 50 , which is closer to the power supply terminal 48 than the junction 52 is to the power supply terminal 48 .
- the low-side output transistor 47 is provided in the conductor 501 , which is closer to the ground 49 than the junction 52 is to the ground.
- the current flowing in the high-side output transistor 46 is controlled by the control circuit 44 .
- the current flowing in the low-side output transistor 47 is controlled by the control circuit 45 .
- the voltage at the output conductor 51 is regulated.
- a voltage signal which corresponds to the voltage signal outputted from the buffer amplifier 43 , is outputted from the output terminal 31 through the output conductor 51 .
- a protective resistor 53 is provided in the output conductor 51 .
- the protective resistor 53 protects the high-side output transistor 47 , the low-side output transistor 47 , the control circuits 44 , 45 and the like, by its voltage drop, when an abnormal voltage is applied to the output terminal 31 .
- a second resistor 54 and a third resistor 55 are provided at an output terminal side of the protective resistor 53 .
- the second resistor 54 is provided in a negative feedback path connecting the output terminal side of the protective resistor 53 to the buffer amplifier 43 . Thus the gain of the buffer amplifier 43 is determined.
- a first protective element 56 such as a Zener diode is provided in a conductor connecting the output conductor 51 and the ground 49 .
- the first protective element 56 conducts the current from the output terminal 31 to the ground 49 , when a voltage (for example, 15 V) higher than the voltage (for example, 12 V) supplied to the motor terminal 35 , which is adjacent to the terminal of the magnetic detector module 2 in the connector part 37 , is applied to the output terminal 31 .
- a second protective element 57 such as a Zener diode is provided in a conductor connecting the power supply terminal 48 and the ground 49 . The second protective element 57 conducts the current from the power supply terminal 48 to the ground 49 , when a voltage (for example, 15 V) higher than the voltage supplied to the motor terminal 35 is applied to the power supply terminal 48 .
- a protection circuit is specifically provided for protecting the output transistors 46 , 47 of the output circuit 42 , the control circuits 44 , 45 and the like when the output terminal 31 and the motor terminal 35 are shorted.
- the output circuit 42 is provided with a first resistor 58 , a voltage output circuit 59 , a comparator circuit 60 , a first switch 61 and a second switch 62 .
- the first resistor 58 is provided in the conductor 50 between the protective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 .
- the voltage output circuit 59 outputs a detection voltage indicative of a voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 based on a potential difference of the first resistor 58 , that is developed between both ends of the first resistor 58 .
- the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 is detectable based on the potential difference of the first resistor 58 , because resistances of the protective resistor provided in the circuit between the power supply terminal 48 and the output terminal 31 , the first switch 61 , the first resistor 58 and the high-side output transistor 46 are fixed. That is, the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 is detectable by amplifying the potential difference of the first resistor 58 in accordance with a ratio of resistances of the first resistor 58 and the high-side output transistor 46 .
- the first resistor 58 and the voltage output circuit 59 detect the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 when the voltage (for example, 12 V) of the motor terminal 35 is applied to the output terminal 31 due to the short-circuit between the output terminal 31 and the motor terminal 35 .
- the first resistor 58 and the voltage output circuit 59 form a voltage detection circuit.
- the comparator circuit 60 compares the voltage outputted from the voltage output circuit 59 with a reference voltage Vr generated by a reference voltage generator 63 .
- the reference voltage Vr is set to be lower than withstand voltages of the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 . That is, the reference voltage Vr is determined such that the output voltage of the voltage output circuit 59 becomes higher than the reference voltage Vr when the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 exceeds the withstand voltage of the high-side output transistor 46 .
- the reference voltage Vr is set preferably to be lower by a predetermined margin than the withstand voltages of the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 .
- the first switch 61 is provided in the conductor 50 connecting the protective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 .
- the second switch 62 is provided in the conductor 501 connecting the protective resistor 53 and the low-side output transistor 47 .
- the first switch 61 and the second switch 62 may be semiconductor switches such as FETs or mechanical switches, which conduct or shut off the currents flowing in the conductors 50 and 501 .
- the comparator circuit 60 outputs a signal, which turns off the first switch 61 and the second switch 62 , when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit 59 is higher than the reference voltage Vr.
- the comparison circuit 60 outputs a signal, which turns on the first switch 61 and the second switch 62 , when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit 59 is lower than the reference voltage Vr.
- the comparator circuit 60 , the first switch 61 and the second switch 62 form a current shut-off circuit, which operates as the protection circuit.
- the output terminal 31 of the magnetic detector module 2 and the motor terminal 35 short and the abnormal voltage of about 12 V is applied to the output terminal 31 , current flows from the output terminal 31 to the power supply terminal 48 side and the ground 49 side through the output conductor 51 and the conductors 50 , 501 .
- the voltage output circuit 59 detects the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 .
- the comparator circuit 60 turns off the first switch 61 and the second switch 62 .
- electric conduction between the protective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 is shut off.
- electric conduction between the protective resistor 53 and the low-side output transistor 47 is also shutoff.
- the abnormal voltage is applied to the output terminal 31 , the high-side output transistor 46 , the low-side output transistor 47 , the control circuits 44 , 45 and the like can be protected surely.
- the arrangement of the terminals 31 to 34 can be more freely determined in the connector in case that the output terminals 31 of the magnetic detector modules 2 and the motor terminal 35 are arranged within the same connector part 37 .
- the terminals 31 to 34 can be arranged with less limitation to be resin-molded in the cover 9 .
- the two magnetic detector modules 2 can be arranged with less limitation in the magnetic detector part 26 of the electronic throttle apparatus 1 .
- the current is detected in the conductor 50 , which is closer to the high-side output transistor 46 than the protective resistor 53 is to the high-side output transistor 46 . It is thus possible to detect accurately the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 .
- the reference voltage Vr is set to the value, which is lower than the withstand voltages of the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 by the predetermined margin. It is thus possible to protect surely the high-side output transistor 46 , the low-side output transistor 47 , the control circuits 44 , 45 and the like.
- the output circuit 42 of the magnetic detector module 2 is configured as shown in FIG. 6 .
- a third switch 64 is provided as an output switch between the output terminal 31 and the ground 49 , that is, in a conductor connecting the output conductor 51 and the ground 49 .
- the second switch 62 of the first embodiment is not provided.
- the voltage applied from the output terminal 31 side to the high-side output transistor 46 is detected by the first resistor 58 and the voltage output circuit 59 .
- the comparator circuit 60 turns on the first switch 61 and turns off the third switch 64 , when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit 59 is lower than the reference voltage Vr.
- the comparator circuit 60 turns off the first switch 61 and turns on the third switch 64 , when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit 59 is higher than the reference voltage Vr.
- the output conductor 51 is conducted to the ground 49 so that the current flows from the output terminal 31 to the ground 49 through the third switch 64 . Since the electric conduction between the protective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 is shut off, the high-side output transistor 46 is protected from being subjected to a voltage, which is higher than its withstand voltage. It is thus possible to protect the high-side output transistor 46 , the low-side output transistor 47 , the control circuits 44 , 45 and the like from the abnormal voltage applied to the output terminal 31 .
- the output circuit 42 of the magnetic detector module 2 is configured as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the first resistor 58 is provided in the output conductor 51 between the protective resistor 53 and the output terminal 31 .
- the first resistor 58 and the voltage output circuit 59 detect the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 .
- the comparator circuit 60 turns off the first switch 61 and the second switch 62 , when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit 59 is lower than the reference voltage Vr.
- the magnetic detector module 2 can protect the high-side output transistor 46 , the low-side output transistor 47 , the control circuits 44 , 45 and the like when the abnormal voltage is applied to the output terminal 31 .
- the position detecting device can be used in a variety of sensors, which detect a rotation angle of an accelerator pedal of an accelerator apparatus, a rotation angle of a tumble control valve or a stroke of a clutch actuator.
- the position detecting device is not limited to the magnetic type but may be other types such as an optical type.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
- Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is based on and incorporates herein by reference Japanese patent application No. 2011-276859 filed on Dec. 19, 2011.
- The present disclosure relates to a position detecting device for detecting a rotation angle or a stroke of a movable body.
- A conventional position detecting device for a vehicle detects a rotation angle (angular position) of a throttle valve provided in an electronic throttle apparatus (electronically-controlled throttle), a rotation angle of an accelerator pedal provided in an accelerator pedal module or a stroke (linear position) of a clutch actuator.
- JP 2004-4114A (U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,543) discloses a magnetic detector module provided as a position detecting device provided in an electronic throttle apparatus. The magnetic detector module is an electronic device, in which a magnetic detecting element and an integrated circuit (IC) for processing an output signal of the magnetic detecting element are integrated in a single unit. The magnetic detector module detects the rotation angle of the throttle valve by detecting a magnetic field generated by magnets provided in the throttle valve by the magnetic detecting element. An electronic control unit (ECU) electrically connected to the electronic throttle apparatus supplies current to a motor, which drives the throttle valve to rotate, in accordance with the output signal of the magnetic detector module.
- According to the conventional electronic throttle apparatus, terminals of the magnetic detector module and motor terminals are arranged adjacently at a connector part, where the magnetic detector module and the ECU output or input signals or currents relative to the ECU. If water or a conductive particle enters the connector part, the terminals of the magnetic detector module and the motor terminals tend to be short-circuited. To counter this problem, output terminals of the magnetic detector module are not located at the position, which is most adjacent to the motor terminal. A ground terminal or a power supply terminal of the magnetic detector module is located at such a position distanced from the motor terminal. Thus the integrated circuit of the magnetic detector module is protected from adverse influence generated when the terminal of the magnetic detector module and the motor terminal short-circuit. However, since the terminals of the magnetic detector module need be located in a limited area in the connector part, the terminals of the magnetic detector module cannot be freely located. If two magnetic detector modules are provided in the electronic throttle apparatus, locations of such magnetic detector modules are limited.
- It is an object to provide a position detecting device, which is capable of protecting an output circuit from an abnormal voltage applied to an output terminal.
- According to one aspect, a position detecting device is provided for detecting a position of a movable body. The position detecting device includes a detector element, a signal processing circuit and an output circuit. The detector element outputs a signal varying with movement of the movable body. The signal processing circuit processes the signal outputted from the detector element. The output circuit outputs a signal from an output terminal based on a signal outputted from the signal processing circuit.
- The output circuit includes an output transistor, a control circuit, an output conductor, a voltage detection circuit and a current shut-off circuit. The output transistor is connected in series in a conductor connecting a power supply terminal and ground and controls a voltage of the conductor to be outputted from the output terminal. The control circuit controls the output transistor based on the signal outputted from the signal processing circuit. The output conductor has one end connected to the conductor including the output transistor therein and an other end connected to the output terminal. The voltage detection circuit detects a voltage applied from the output terminal to the output transistor. The current shut-off circuit shuts off electric conduction between the output terminal and the output transistor, when the voltage detection circuit detects that a voltage higher than a withstand voltage of the output transistor is applied to the output transistor.
- The above and other objects, features and advantages of a position detecting device will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings: In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electronic throttle apparatus provided with a position detecting device according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cover of the electronic throttle apparatus shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the electronic throttle apparatus viewed in a direction III inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic circuit of the position detecting device according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an output circuit of the position detecting device according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an output circuit of a position detecting device according to a second embodiment; and -
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an output circuit of a position detecting device according to a third embodiment. - A position detecting device according to a first embodiment is shown in
FIG. 1 toFIG. 4 . - The position detecting device is provided as a
magnetic detector module 2, which is used in an electronic throttle apparatus 1 for controlling an amount of air suctioned into cylinders of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. Themagnetic detector module 2 outputs a voltage signal indicative of an open angle of a throttle valve 3 to an electronic control unit (ECU) 4 of the vehicle. The ECU 4 outputs a drive signal to a motor 5, which drives the throttle valve 3, so that the throttle valve 3 is rotated to an angular position (open angle) suitable for an operating condition of the engine. Thus the motor 5 drives the throttle valve 3 to a target angular position and regulates the amount of suction air. - The electronic throttle apparatus 1 is configured as described below. The electronic throttle apparatus 1 includes, as shown in
FIG. 1 , athrottle body 6, a throttle shaft 7, the throttle valve 3, the motor 5, a rotation angle detector 8 and the like. Thethrottle body 6 has an air passage, which communicates with a passage of an intake pipe and has a generally cylindrical shape in section. A cover 9 is attached to an outer wall of thethrottle body 6. Agear reduction device 10, aspring device 11 and the rotation angle detector 8 are accommodated in a space provided between thethrottle body 6 and the cover 9. - The throttle shaft 7 is supported rotatably relative to the
throttle body 6 bybearings throttle body 6. The throttle valve 3 and the throttle shaft 7 are fixed by fixingmembers 14. The throttle valve 3 is thus rotatable with the throttle shaft 7 and varies the open area of the air passage thereby to regulate the amount of air suctioned into the cylinders of the engine. The throttle valve 3 is a movable body. - The motor 5 is a DC motor, which switches over direction of rotation corresponding to direction of current supplied thereto and generates rotation torque corresponding to the amount of supplied current. The motor 5 is accommodated within an accommodation space provided in the
throttle body 6. The motor 5 is dive-controlled by commands from the ECU 4. - The
gear reduction device 10 transfers the rotation torque generated by the motor 5 to the throttle valve 3 after speed reduction. Thegear reduction device 10 is formed of apinion gear 15, anintermediate gear 16, agear rotor 17 and the like. Thepinion gear 15 is fixed to anoutput shaft 18 of the motor 5 to be rotated by the motor 5. Theintermediate gear 16 has a large-diameter gear 19 and a small-diameter gear 20, which are coaxial. Theintermediate gear 16 is provided rotatably by asupport shaft 21, which is supported by thethrottle body 6 and the cover 9. The large-diameter gear 19 is meshed with thepinion gear 15. The small-diameter gear 20 is meshed with thegear rotor 17. Thegear rotor 17 is fixed to an axial end of the throttle shaft 7 to be rotated with the throttle shaft 7. - The
spring device 11 biases the throttle valve 3 to take the open angle position at an intermediate position between a fully-closed position (minimum rotation angle) and a fully-open position (maximum rotation angle) when the current supply to the motor 5 is shut off. Thus, the vehicle is enabled to make limp-home travel. Thespring device 11 includes areturn spring 22, adefault spring 23 and a fixingmember 24. Thereturn spring 22 biases the throttle valve 3 in a valve closing direction. Thedefault spring 23 biases the throttle valve 3 in a valve opening direction. Thereturn spring 22 and thedefault spring 23 are integral and wound in opposite directions, while sandwiching the fixingmember 24. - The rotation angle detector 8 detects a rotation angle of the throttle valve 3 and outputs a voltage signal, which varies with the open angle of the throttle valve 3. The detector 8 is formed of a cylindrical
magnetic generator part 25 and a magnetic detector part 26. Themagnetic generator part 25 rotates integrally with the throttle valve 3. The magnetic detector part 26 is provided radially inside themagnetic generator part 25 without contacting themagnetic generator part 25. Themagnetic generator part 25 includes acylindrical yoke 27 and twomagnets 28 and is insert-molded in thegear rotor 17. Themagnets 28 are arranged to oppose each other in the radial direction at a radially inside surface of theyoke 27 to provide magnetic field, which is perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the throttle valve 3. - The magnetic detector part 26 includes a
stator core 29 and twomagnetic detector modules 2. The magnetic detector part 26 is fixed to the cover 9. Themagnetic detector module 2 forms the position detecting device. Thestator core 29 is formed of a generally cylindrical body and has a magnetism detection gap in a diameter direction. Themagnetic detector modules 2 are located in the magnetic detection gap. Themagnetic detector module 2 is an electronic unit, which integrates therein amagnetic detector element 30 and an integrated circuit (IC) for processing a signal outputted from themagnetic detector element 30. Themagnetic detector element 30 may be a Hall element or a magneto-resistive element, for example. When themagnetic generator part 25 and the magnetic detector part 26 make a relative rotation therebetween, the density of magnetic flux passing through a magnetic sensing surface of themagnetic detector element 30 varies. Themagnetic detector module 2 outputs a voltage signal, which corresponds to the magnetic flux density in the magnetic sensing surface of themagnetic detector element 30, to the ECU 4 (FIG. 2 ). The ECU 4 feedback-controls the motor 5 so that the throttle open angle detected by themagnetic detector module 2 and indicated by the voltage signal of themagnetic detector module 2 matches the target open angle set in accordance with the operating condition of the engine. - As shown in
FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 ,output terminals power supply terminal 33 and aground terminal 34 of themagnetic detector modules 2 are resin-molded in the cover 9. Thepower supply terminal 33 is common to themagnetic detector modules 2 and theground terminal 34 is also common to themagnetic detector modules 2. Themotor terminals 35 for supplying power (for example, 12 V) to the motor 5 are resin-molded in the cover 9. Theterminals 31 to 34 of themagnetic detector modules 2 and themotor terminals 35 are arranged in oneconnector part 37. Theterminals 31 to 34 of the twomagnetic detector modules 2 are arranged in the order of theoutput terminal 31 of onemagnetic detector module 2, the commonpower supply terminal 33, theoutput terminal 32 of the othermagnetic detector module 2 and thecommon ground terminal 34 from top to bottom direction inFIG. 3 . That is, thepower supply terminal 33 or theground terminal 34 is located between themotor terminal 35 and theoutput terminal magnetic detector module 2. That is, thepower supply terminal 33 or theground terminal 34 is located immediately adjacent to themotor terminal 35. This arrangement is for reducing adverse influence, which the integrated circuit of themagnetic detector module 2 suffers from, when themotor terminal 35 and the output terminal of themagnetic detector module 2 adjacent to themotor terminal 35 short due to water or a conductive foreign particle entering theconnector part 37. - However, according to the first embodiment, the
terminals 31 to 34 of the twomagnetic detector modules 2 may be located with more freedom in accordance with the location of themagnetic detector modules 2 owing to the circuit configuration described below with reference toFIG. 4 andFIG. 5 . That is, theoutput terminals magnetic detector modules 2 can be located at the position (position of theground terminal 34 inFIG. 2 andFIG. 3 ), which is immediately adjacent to themotor terminal 35. Themotor terminal 35 may also be located with more freedom without being limited by the position of the terminal of themagnetic detector module 2. - The
magnetic detector module 2 is configured as shown inFIG. 4 . The voltage signal outputted from themagnetic detector element 30 and varying with the density of magnetic flux passing through themagnetic detector element 30 is converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter 38 and inputted to a digital signal processor (DSP) 39. The digital signal is subjected to offset adjustment, gain adjustment and clamp adjustment by theDSP 39 in accordance with predetermined values stored in anEEPROM 40. The offset adjustment determines an offset of an output voltage signal, which is outputted to the ECU 4, relative to the open angle of the throttle valve 3. The gain adjustment determines an inclination (proportional gain) of the output voltage signal relative to the open angle of the throttle valve 3. The clamp adjustment determines a maximum value and a minimum value of the output voltage signal. The digital value adjusted by theDSP 39 is converted to an analog signal by a D/A converter 41 and inputted to anoutput circuit 42 to be outputted to the ECU 4 as the output voltage signal. The A/D converter 38, theDSP 39, theEEPROM 40 and the D/A converter 41 form a signal processing circuit. - The
output circuit 42 is configured as shown inFIG. 5 . The output voltage signal of the D/A converter 41 is inputted to abuffer amplifier 43. Thebuffer amplifier 43 amplifies the inputted signal thereby to remove mutual influence with circuits of the ECU 4. A high potential side (high-side)output transistor 46 and a low potential side (low-side)output transistor 47 are controlled by twocontrol circuits buffer amplifier 43. The high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 are connected in series with afirst conductor 50 and asecond conductor 501, which connect a power supply terminal (for example, 5 V) 48 andground 49. Theconductors output terminal 31 by anoutput conductor 51. Theoutput conductor 51 has one end connected to ajunction 52 between theconductors power supply terminal 48 and theground 49. Theoutput conductor 51 has the other end connected to theoutput terminal 31. The high-side output transistor 46 is provided in theconductor 50, which is closer to thepower supply terminal 48 than thejunction 52 is to thepower supply terminal 48. The low-side output transistor 47 is provided in theconductor 501, which is closer to theground 49 than thejunction 52 is to the ground. The current flowing in the high-side output transistor 46 is controlled by thecontrol circuit 44. The current flowing in the low-side output transistor 47 is controlled by thecontrol circuit 45. Thus the voltage at theoutput conductor 51 is regulated. As a result, a voltage signal, which corresponds to the voltage signal outputted from thebuffer amplifier 43, is outputted from theoutput terminal 31 through theoutput conductor 51. - A
protective resistor 53 is provided in theoutput conductor 51. Theprotective resistor 53 protects the high-side output transistor 47, the low-side output transistor 47, thecontrol circuits output terminal 31. Asecond resistor 54 and athird resistor 55 are provided at an output terminal side of theprotective resistor 53. Thesecond resistor 54 is provided in a negative feedback path connecting the output terminal side of theprotective resistor 53 to thebuffer amplifier 43. Thus the gain of thebuffer amplifier 43 is determined. A firstprotective element 56 such as a Zener diode is provided in a conductor connecting theoutput conductor 51 and theground 49. The firstprotective element 56 conducts the current from theoutput terminal 31 to theground 49, when a voltage (for example, 15 V) higher than the voltage (for example, 12 V) supplied to themotor terminal 35, which is adjacent to the terminal of themagnetic detector module 2 in theconnector part 37, is applied to theoutput terminal 31. A secondprotective element 57 such as a Zener diode is provided in a conductor connecting thepower supply terminal 48 and theground 49. The secondprotective element 57 conducts the current from thepower supply terminal 48 to theground 49, when a voltage (for example, 15 V) higher than the voltage supplied to themotor terminal 35 is applied to thepower supply terminal 48. - In addition, a protection circuit is specifically provided for protecting the
output transistors output circuit 42, thecontrol circuits output terminal 31 and themotor terminal 35 are shorted. - This protection circuit will be described below. The
output circuit 42 is provided with afirst resistor 58, avoltage output circuit 59, acomparator circuit 60, afirst switch 61 and asecond switch 62. Thefirst resistor 58 is provided in theconductor 50 between theprotective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46. Thevoltage output circuit 59 outputs a detection voltage indicative of a voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 based on a potential difference of thefirst resistor 58, that is developed between both ends of thefirst resistor 58. The voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 is detectable based on the potential difference of thefirst resistor 58, because resistances of the protective resistor provided in the circuit between thepower supply terminal 48 and theoutput terminal 31, thefirst switch 61, thefirst resistor 58 and the high-side output transistor 46 are fixed. That is, the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 is detectable by amplifying the potential difference of thefirst resistor 58 in accordance with a ratio of resistances of thefirst resistor 58 and the high-side output transistor 46. Thus thefirst resistor 58 and thevoltage output circuit 59 detect the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 when the voltage (for example, 12 V) of themotor terminal 35 is applied to theoutput terminal 31 due to the short-circuit between theoutput terminal 31 and themotor terminal 35. Thefirst resistor 58 and thevoltage output circuit 59 form a voltage detection circuit. - The
comparator circuit 60 compares the voltage outputted from thevoltage output circuit 59 with a reference voltage Vr generated by areference voltage generator 63. The reference voltage Vr is set to be lower than withstand voltages of the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47. That is, the reference voltage Vr is determined such that the output voltage of thevoltage output circuit 59 becomes higher than the reference voltage Vr when the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 exceeds the withstand voltage of the high-side output transistor 46. The reference voltage Vr is set preferably to be lower by a predetermined margin than the withstand voltages of the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47. - The
first switch 61 is provided in theconductor 50 connecting theprotective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46. Thesecond switch 62 is provided in theconductor 501 connecting theprotective resistor 53 and the low-side output transistor 47. Thefirst switch 61 and thesecond switch 62 may be semiconductor switches such as FETs or mechanical switches, which conduct or shut off the currents flowing in theconductors comparator circuit 60 outputs a signal, which turns off thefirst switch 61 and thesecond switch 62, when the output voltage of thevoltage output circuit 59 is higher than the reference voltage Vr. Thecomparison circuit 60 outputs a signal, which turns on thefirst switch 61 and thesecond switch 62, when the output voltage of thevoltage output circuit 59 is lower than the reference voltage Vr. Thecomparator circuit 60, thefirst switch 61 and thesecond switch 62 form a current shut-off circuit, which operates as the protection circuit. - According to the first embodiment, when the
output terminal 31 of themagnetic detector module 2 and themotor terminal 35 short and the abnormal voltage of about 12 V is applied to theoutput terminal 31, current flows from theoutput terminal 31 to thepower supply terminal 48 side and theground 49 side through theoutput conductor 51 and theconductors voltage output circuit 59 detects the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46. When the output voltage is higher than the reference voltage Vr, thecomparator circuit 60 turns off thefirst switch 61 and thesecond switch 62. Thus, electric conduction between theprotective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 is shut off. Further, electric conduction between theprotective resistor 53 and the low-side output transistor 47 is also shutoff. As a result, when the abnormal voltage is applied to theoutput terminal 31, the high-side output transistor 46, the low-side output transistor 47, thecontrol circuits - Since the current shut-off circuit operates as describe above, the arrangement of the
terminals 31 to 34 can be more freely determined in the connector in case that theoutput terminals 31 of themagnetic detector modules 2 and themotor terminal 35 are arranged within thesame connector part 37. Thus, theterminals 31 to 34 can be arranged with less limitation to be resin-molded in the cover 9. As a result, the twomagnetic detector modules 2 can be arranged with less limitation in the magnetic detector part 26 of the electronic throttle apparatus 1. - According to the first embodiment, the current is detected in the
conductor 50, which is closer to the high-side output transistor 46 than theprotective resistor 53 is to the high-side output transistor 46. It is thus possible to detect accurately the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46. The reference voltage Vr is set to the value, which is lower than the withstand voltages of the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47 by the predetermined margin. It is thus possible to protect surely the high-side output transistor 46, the low-side output transistor 47, thecontrol circuits - According to a second embodiment, the
output circuit 42 of themagnetic detector module 2 is configured as shown inFIG. 6 . - In the second embodiment, a
third switch 64 is provided as an output switch between theoutput terminal 31 and theground 49, that is, in a conductor connecting theoutput conductor 51 and theground 49. Thesecond switch 62 of the first embodiment is not provided. The voltage applied from theoutput terminal 31 side to the high-side output transistor 46 is detected by thefirst resistor 58 and thevoltage output circuit 59. Thecomparator circuit 60 turns on thefirst switch 61 and turns off thethird switch 64, when the output voltage of thevoltage output circuit 59 is lower than the reference voltage Vr. Thus, as long as themagnetic detector module 2 operates normally, the electric conduction between theoutput conductor 51 and theground 49 is shut off so that theoutput terminal 31 outputs the normal voltage. Thecomparator circuit 60 turns off thefirst switch 61 and turns on thethird switch 64, when the output voltage of thevoltage output circuit 59 is higher than the reference voltage Vr. Thus, theoutput conductor 51 is conducted to theground 49 so that the current flows from theoutput terminal 31 to theground 49 through thethird switch 64. Since the electric conduction between theprotective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 is shut off, the high-side output transistor 46 is protected from being subjected to a voltage, which is higher than its withstand voltage. It is thus possible to protect the high-side output transistor 46, the low-side output transistor 47, thecontrol circuits output terminal 31. - According to a third embodiment, the
output circuit 42 of themagnetic detector module 2 is configured as shown inFIG. 7 . - In the third embodiment, the
first resistor 58 is provided in theoutput conductor 51 between theprotective resistor 53 and theoutput terminal 31. When the abnormal voltage is applied to theoutput terminal 31, thefirst resistor 58 and thevoltage output circuit 59 detect the voltage applied to the high-side output transistor 46 and the low-side output transistor 47. Thecomparator circuit 60 turns off thefirst switch 61 and thesecond switch 62, when the output voltage of thevoltage output circuit 59 is lower than the reference voltage Vr. Thus, the electric conduction between theprotective resistor 53 and the high-side output transistor 46 is shut off and the electric conduction between theprotective resistor 53 and the low-side output transistor 47 is shut off. As a result, themagnetic detector module 2 can protect the high-side output transistor 46, the low-side output transistor 47, thecontrol circuits output terminal 31. - The above-described embodiments are described with reference to the
magnetic detector module 2, which forms the rotation angle sensor used in the electronic throttle apparatus mounted in the vehicle. However the position detecting device can be used in a variety of sensors, which detect a rotation angle of an accelerator pedal of an accelerator apparatus, a rotation angle of a tumble control valve or a stroke of a clutch actuator. The position detecting device is not limited to the magnetic type but may be other types such as an optical type.
Claims (7)
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JP2011276859A JP5440811B2 (en) | 2011-12-19 | 2011-12-19 | Position detection device |
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US20130155562A1 true US20130155562A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
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Cited By (7)
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US20130328537A1 (en) * | 2012-06-07 | 2013-12-12 | Nxp B.V. | Buck converter with reverse current protection, and a photovoltaic system |
US20140111193A1 (en) * | 2012-10-24 | 2014-04-24 | Denso Corporation | Rotation angle detecting device and rotary drive unit by use thereof |
CN104682341A (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2015-06-03 | 海洋王(东莞)照明科技有限公司 | Over-voltage/low-voltage protective circuit |
US20180331603A1 (en) * | 2011-06-10 | 2018-11-15 | Axiflux Holdings Pty Ltd. | Electric Motor/Generator |
US20210041264A1 (en) * | 2018-06-07 | 2021-02-11 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for determining an orientation of a movable device |
US11112464B2 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2021-09-07 | Denso Corporation | Signal output device |
US11125837B2 (en) * | 2020-01-14 | 2021-09-21 | Allegro Microsystems, Llc | Magnetic field sensor offset and gain adjustment |
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JP6808990B2 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2021-01-06 | 富士電機株式会社 | Semiconductor physical quantity sensor device |
JP7330824B2 (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2023-08-22 | 新明和工業株式会社 | Loading table lifting device |
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US20040124818A1 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2004-07-01 | Intersil Americas Inc., | Mechanism for providing over-voltage protection during power up of DC-DC converter |
US20090058378A1 (en) * | 2007-08-29 | 2009-03-05 | San Hwa Chee | Circuit system and method for reducing an in-rush current |
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US20180331603A1 (en) * | 2011-06-10 | 2018-11-15 | Axiflux Holdings Pty Ltd. | Electric Motor/Generator |
US20130328537A1 (en) * | 2012-06-07 | 2013-12-12 | Nxp B.V. | Buck converter with reverse current protection, and a photovoltaic system |
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US20140111193A1 (en) * | 2012-10-24 | 2014-04-24 | Denso Corporation | Rotation angle detecting device and rotary drive unit by use thereof |
US9163956B2 (en) * | 2012-10-24 | 2015-10-20 | Denso Corporation | Rotation angle detecting device and rotary drive unit by use thereof |
CN104682341A (en) * | 2013-11-28 | 2015-06-03 | 海洋王(东莞)照明科技有限公司 | Over-voltage/low-voltage protective circuit |
US11112464B2 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2021-09-07 | Denso Corporation | Signal output device |
US20210041264A1 (en) * | 2018-06-07 | 2021-02-11 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for determining an orientation of a movable device |
US11821753B2 (en) * | 2018-06-07 | 2023-11-21 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for determining an orientation of a movable device |
US11125837B2 (en) * | 2020-01-14 | 2021-09-21 | Allegro Microsystems, Llc | Magnetic field sensor offset and gain adjustment |
Also Published As
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DE102012220185A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
US8848329B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 |
JP2013127398A (en) | 2013-06-27 |
JP5440811B2 (en) | 2014-03-12 |
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